Completing a marathon is an achievement that places you in a special group. It’s estimated that only about 1% of the population has ever finished one. It’s a statistic that still resonates with me, a reminder of a significant chapter in my life.
My First Marathon
Back in 2016, I ran the New York City Marathon. It was a journey marked by more struggle than triumph, taking me just under seven hours to cross the finish line. The training was a lonely endeavor. I didn’t have a running group for support back then, so every long run was a solo mission. Tackling 13, 15, 20, and even 23 miles completely on my own was a constant battle, both mentally and physically.
Injuries became unwelcome companions, popping up and adding to the challenge.
I remember the night before the race, I had a vivid dream. A dog leaped from a tall building and landed perfectly on its feet, unharmed. At that moment, I knew that dog was me. I was about to take a massive plunge, and I had to believe I would land on my feet and get it done. That dream became my personal metaphor for perseverance.
Recent Group Run
Recently, during a run with my current running group, the topic of marathons came up. One member shared that he was done with the NYC Marathon. He’d completed the Disney Marathon, but every time he trained for New York, he suffered a bad injury. Another member, who had run both the NYC and Marine Corps marathons, said his days of marathon training were over due to osteoarthritis in his knees. The runner who did Disney felt satisfied, content with having completed just one.
Still 1% Club
Like them, I have only done one. And while I’ve since had surgery, a part of me still thinks another marathon might be in the cards. There’s a desire to redeem myself, a belief that I can do better than I did in 2016.
But whether I run another one or not, I hold onto a powerful truth. I did it. I pushed through the lonely miles, the injuries, and the mental barriers. I took the plunge and landed on my feet. And no matter what comes next, I will always be part of that 1%.
